COLUMBIA - Richard Cross, DMD, of Lexington, has been recognized as the recipient of the 2009 Carlos Salinas award, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“This award was established to honor a dentist for excellence in providing care to and advocacy for individuals with special health care needs,” said Christine Veschusio, director of DHEC’s Division of Oral Health. “Dr. Cross exemplifies this in his service and dedication to his patients and their families.”
Veschusio said Dr. Cross has been practicing pediatric dentistry for 36 years with a special focus on children with special health care needs.
“At almost any given time you will find children in wheelchairs, autistic youngsters and children with multitudes of developmental difficulties in the reception room,” Veschusio said. “One of his staff members said that his concern is for all children, for good dental health for children in general, but his greatest concern is for those with special needs.”
Dr. Cross received the award at the Medical University of South Carolina’s ninth annual Continuing Education Course on "Dental Program for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Individuals with Special Health Care Needs." His name will be placed on a plaque displayed at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in Charleston.
The award, in its second year, is named for Carlos Salinas, DMD, in recognition of his commitment to assisting people with special needs. The award is sponsored by the S. C. Dental Association; South Carolina Oral Health Coalition and Advisory Council, of which DHEC is a member; and Specialized Care Company.